Suited up in their leathers, with tinsel and stuffed toys riding shotgun on the front of their motorcycles, these do-gooding bikers always make quite an impression as they make their annual pilgrimage from Geelong towards the Bellarine Peninsula- toting a collection of stuffed toys and other gifts that have been donated for the kids.

Usually accompanied by a police escort, the riders begin their journey from Cunningham Pier in Geelong at 10.30am. They then ride through the centre of Geelong, delighting children and bike enthusiasts as they go by on their shiny machines. The roar of the bikes on the street can be heard from deep within the shopping centres that flank Malop Street, and the sound often entices a crowd of onlookers. Traffic comes to a standstill as the motorcade travels through the city.

The Toy Run will kick off at Cunningham Pier on Geelong's waterfront

The group generally arrive in the main street of Portarlington between approximately 11am and 11.30am, where they stop for a short break before heading on to the Queenscliff foreshore.

Geelong radio station K-Rock will be presenting live from the site, there will be a live band playing, and there will be plenty of food stalls around to whet your appetite. Furthermore, if you buy a raffle ticket for $5, you can go into the draw to win a Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster Iron. Children are even able to have a ride on a Harley- something that everybody should experience at least once in their life.

Although this event is run by the HOGs, they welcome riders of all kinds of motorcycles to join in the fun and participate. They especially welcome donations of new toys from all members of the public, and these can be dropped off at the Harley-Davidson dealership in Mercer Street Geelong, or at the Queenscliff Foreshore Park at the conclusion of the ride.

www.geelongharley-davidson.com.au/

This is a fantastic event run by a group of people who are determined to defy the tough stereotypes cast on them- when it comes down to it (and especially when it involves kids) everyone's a big softie at heart.